ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Pakistan Is On A Golden Run: Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar heaped praise over Babar Azam-led Pakistan cricket team for their tremendous run in T20 World Cup 2021.

On Tuesday, Pakistan outclassed Namibia by 45 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi to become the first team from Group 2 to qualify for the semi-fnals.

Skipper Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s 113-run for the opening stand set the big score of 189 for the T20 World Cup debutants Namibia to chase.

In reply, Pakistan bowlers restricted the African nation to 144/5 in the second innings to book their spot in the semi-final stage.

Pakistan fans would be somewhat shellshocked to see their team being so consistent: Sanjay Manjrekar

Pakistan have now won four out of four matches of the group stage, including the tough chase against New Zealand and Afghanistan.

Manjrekar, while previewing the game against Namibia, said that Pakistani fans would be surprised to see the rare consistency of their team.

“Pakistan is on a golden run. Who would’ve thought that. Their fans would be somewhat shellshocked to see their team being so consistent. There have been a couple of nervy chases, though not against India,” Manjrekar said on Dafa News.

Shaheen Afridi is currently the best fast bowler of the tournament: Sanjay Manjrekar

Pakistan bowlers have done an excellent job in the tournament. Although their spinners haven’t taken too many wickets, Manjrekar feels they have bowled smartly.

Shaheen Afridi, who bowled a magnificent spell of 3/31 against India, got the big wickets of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli.

Manjrekar called Afridi as the best pace bowler in the current tournament.

“Pakistan’s bowling is also looking fantastic. Their spinners in Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan are capable spinners. And that is the thing about Pakistan, they are not very highly skilled or have classical actions, but they are very street smart bowlers. They know where to put the ball and don’t get hit. They know how to survive in this kind of a format,” Manjrekar said.

“Shaheen Afridi is right up there. He’s currently the best fast bowler of the tournament. Hasan Ali could be a concern for Pakistan. Not only because he has gone for runs and hasn’t made the desired impression, but he looks rattled when he gets hit,” he added.

Pakistan play their final group stage match against Scotland on November 7 in Abu Dhabi.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2021: Watch – To Congratulate Namibia For Their Journey Pakistan Players Visited The Former’s Dressing Room After The 45-Run Victory